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Site Preparation:
Implementation of a management plan typically commences
with some form of site preparation. Site preparation
techniques are integral tools utilized to achieve the landowner’s
objectives. Many different types of site preparation
exist, including but not limited to; creation of firelines,
reduction of fuel loads, reduction of competing vegetation
through chemical/mechanical processes, or mulching/under-brushing
of environmental sensitive areas. Each site preparation
technique has its place in the proper management of timber/environmental
lands.
Once site preparation is complete other management techniques
can then be implemented, such as; reforestation, reclamation,
restoration, and habitat enhancement/creation with shrubby
or herbaceous plant material. Properly preparing a site
should be one of the first priorities in any land management
plan. A properly prepared site may ensure the success
of future treatments. A sample of typical site preparation
treatments and their descriptions are listed below:
| Site Preparation Treatment |
Description |
| Chemical Application |
Site specific chemical applications to reduce competing
vegetation/invasive exotic species, aiding in the enhancement
of the property and success of future treatments. |
| Chopping |
Pulling of a drum chopper behind a tractor to reduce
competing vegetation and expose bare mineral soil. |
| Discing |
Utilized for creation and rehabilitation of firelines,
preparation of food plots, and sometimes in preparation
of reforestation & habitat enhancement/creation projects. |
| Mowing |
A tractor pulled mower such as a Brown Tree Cutter
to reduce the understory fuels and increase aesthetics. Typically
utilized where prescribed fire cannot be. |
| Mulching/Under-brushing |
Low ground pressure machine that completely mulches
the mid-story and understory plants less than 6” in
diameter. Excellent first step in creating firelines
through high vegetation areas and also great at reducing
fuel loads and competing vegetation in environmentally
sensitive areas. |
| Prescribed Burning |
Utilization of prescribed fire to reduce competing
vegetation for further treatments to occur. |
| Removal of Undesirable Tree Species |
Mechanical removal of undesirable tree species to allow
sunlight through to the forest floor releasing desirable
native herbaceous plant species. |
With the many challenges facing landowners today, FES prides
itself on finding the most efficient/effective solutions for
landowners to achieve their goals. Selecting the proper
site preparation method for a landowner’s property is
the first step of plan implementation that helps in ensuring
a landowner will achieve their goals and objectives.
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